If you’re a true chocoholic then you probably believe that there’s absolutely no reason not to tear your teeth into dark, rich chocolate no matter the time or day. But were you also aware that we have no one but science itself to blame for those uncontrollable chocolate cravings? So next time you find your hand inching towards the chocolate bowl for one last piece, tell yourself that science made you do it!
Chocolate = Happiness
Ever seen a chocolate eater look unhappy? Because there’s a lot of tryptophan (also found in turkey) in chocolate, when consumed it influences endorphin levels in the human brain, triggering an increase in serotonin, a chemical linked to both happiness and euphoria. Therefore it’s no surprise that eating lots, and lots, and lots of chocolate ultimately makes us very, very, very happy.
Candy is Money
Ancient civilizations once believed that chocolate was the food of the gods. Both the Aztec and Mayan royalty would drink cups of it regularly, while trading the cacao beans as currency. So, rather than traveling with heavy coins in their pockets, communities would swap cacao beans to buy and sell goods or services.
Sweet Tooth Protection
Because most chocolate today is made full of sugars and artificial sweeteners, dentists have brainwashed us into believing chocolate is bad for our teeth. However, when it comes to pure cocoa, the natural sweeteners can actually help prevent tooth decay due to the naturally occurring chemicals found within the beans. Its capability to handle microscopic bacteria is so effective, it just might be added to toothpastes and mouthwashes in the future - without the sugar obviously.
Americans ARE Chocoholics
Chocolate is for Lovers
Containing a chemical called phenylethylamine, which releases bursts of ‘pleasure’ endorphins in the brain, it’s no surprise that when you eat a chocolate it makes you feel good all over. While it might not be the most suitable love substitute, it’s definitely one of the best options for those who have ‘commitment issues.’
Nuts for Chocolate
Chocolatiers and chocolate producers around the world annually use about 20% of the world’s supply of peanut crops and 40% of almonds. Given these statistics, there’s no doubt that the successful relationship between chocolate and nuts go together like peas and carrots.
German Chocolate is a Phony
You might have heard of German Chocolate Cake, but claiming it is a true German product would be completely false. Nothing to do with the actual country of Germany, in the mid-19th century a gentleman Sam German invented the recipe for dark-baking chocolate bars for cake-making. Sam, who worked at Bakery Chocolate Company at the time, did such a great job that they named the cake after him. All chocolate, nothing German.
Chocolate Brought On The Microwave
Percy Spence, a scientist who worked on WWII radar and weapon projects, was a huge Chocoholic. While working in the factory, Spence noticed his chocolate melting due to the heat and so, putting two and two together, he understood magnetrons would be able to reheat the chocolate at a fast pace, and boom, the microwave oven was conceived.
“Death By Chocolate” is a Thing
Though you’ve felt it a hundred times and never really questioned if it’s real, unfortunately there is such a thing as a chocolate-related death. During the 17th Century in Chiapas, Mexico, the Spanish elite were so addicted to chocolate that when a Spanish Bishop tried to enforce the law prohibiting the consumption of chocolate during church services, he was found dead, poisoned by chocolate.